The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has received a contribution of US$100,000 from the Indonesian National Police (INP), for the formulation of the MSG Regional Security Strategy (RSS).
At a virtual handover ceremony between the two organisations, the Director General of the MSG Group Secretariat, Leonard Louma expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Indonesian National Police for supporting the development of the RSS.
“The importance of MSG RSS cannot be overstated. The current animated discussions on the Solomon Islands Government decisions with respect to its own security arrangements and the absence of Pacific Island input into the Indo-Pacific security narrative underscore the need for developing a RSS based on our needs and interests,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile the Indonesia National Police said that constructive engagement between Indonesia and the Melanesian Spearhead Group will continue to be mutually beneficial, and will always be cemented by respect working relationship with each member.
The INP intends to host the next working group meeting face-to-face in Indonesia at a time to be determined, although it is aiming for a May meeting.
The handover will disappoint MSG members who have been seeking West Papua‘s full admission to the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Indonesia is an associate member.